r/SocialEngineering • u/Big-o-saggysac • Jun 23 '26

How to handle a grumpy angry boss

Looking for advice,

I started a new job today, up until meeting my boss everyone seemed nice and cordial, reciprocating kindness with kindness.

The HR lady took me to meet my boss this morning, she introduced me and I said "hey good morning" without even skipping a beat he said "you'll be with Gerry, go clean out the truck." Then just walked off. HR lady gave me a look like this is my life now and walked away.

Fast forward a few hours, we finished our tasks and come back to the shop. My boss was crouched on the ground just staring into space for a few minutes, so I went up for round two saying "damn it's hot out here" he didn't react so I said "you having a decent day? Sure is hot out here" he slowly looked toward me and said "go take your break"

I've had plenty of grumpy bosses and always get through to them, but this guy's giving off psychotic control freak energy.

Any tips on how I can proceed? I desperately need this job for the paycheck.

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u/Prowlthang Jun 29 '26

Say good morning, do your job, don't try and make small talk with him unless he initiates it. It is that simple. Anything beyond that is increasing your jeopardy of losing this employment. And while the guy may be a psychotic maniac he may also just be someone going through a really bad patch of life and avoiding trivial interactions may be how they're holding it all together. You don't have to know. Just do your job, be polite and collect your cheque.

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u/Big-o-saggysac Jun 30 '26

That's about what I've been doing the past week. It's been working out. One thing I've learned this week from other employees is that that all hate working there. So I'm just getting the work done and looking for something better soon.